Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, has passed away at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer. Jackson Lee had represented her Houston-based district since 1995 and was known for her advocacy for women, minorities, and social justice issues.
During her time in Congress, Jackson Lee helped lead efforts to protect women from domestic violence, authored the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade, and was among the lead lawmakers behind the movement to have Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom.
Prior to her career in politics, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia. She was a judge in Houston before serving on the Houston City Council and then in Congress. Jackson Lee was also known for her advocacy for gay rights and opposition to the Iraq war in 2003.
Although she considered running for mayor of Houston in 2023, Jackson Lee returned to Congress after being defeated in a runoff election. Throughout her career, she consistently won reelection with ease and was a respected and influential figure within the Democratic Party.
Jackson Lee’s chief of staff confirmed her passing, noting her dedication to public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership and a commitment to fighting for equality and social justice.
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